Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Husbandry of Captive-Bred Emus

Updated guidelines for those responsible for the welfare and husbandry of emus in captivity.

Emus are kept in situations that vary from extensive grazing to close confinement and housing. Whatever the form of husbandry, owners, managers and handlers of emus have a responsibility for the health, welfare and considerate treatment of the birds under their control.
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The basic behavioural, anatomical and physiological needs of emus are considered in this document, irrespective of the degree of intensive husbandry practised, or the climatic conditions to which the emus are exposed.

The basic requirements for the well-being of emus covered in this Code include:

appropriate and sufficient food and water to sustain health and vitality

sufficient area to maintain their well-being and in which to exhibit normal behaviour

protection from predation

protection from disease, including disease that can be exacerbated by management

protection from extremes of climate, particularly during certain phases of their lives

protection from pain, distress, suffering and injury

The Code is intended as a set of guidelines that provides detailed minimum standards for assisting people in understanding the standard of care required to meet their obligations under the laws that operate in Australia’s States and Territories.